Dogs and Wildlife Win: California Passes Ban on Cruel "Hounding"!

You did it! In the final days of California’s legislative session, animal advocates have scored a major victory by securing passage of S.B. 1221, a bill to prohibit the use of dogs to pursue and kill wildlife like bears, cougars and bobcats.

It was a real nail-biter and there was very loud opposition by hunters, but thanks to our amazing California Advocacy Brigade, outstanding leadership from the bill’s sponsor, Senator Ted Lieu, and help from Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, this important humane measure passed the Senate last night and is now on its way to Governor Jerry Brown for his signature.

Californians, we still need you!Governor Brown has until September 30 to act on this bill—and of course, hound hunters are bombarding him with phone calls demanding he veto it. If you are a California resident, we urge you to call the governor’s office at (916) 445-2841 to leave a message stating your support for S.B. 1221.

Keep your message short and polite:

“I urge Governor Brown to sign into law S.B. 1221 to ban the cruel practice of hounding our bears and bobcats. Californians strongly oppose this inhumane and unsporting activity because it harms wildlife as well as dogs who are injured and abandoned. Thank you.”